AI GLOSSARY

What is API?

Application Programming Interface
A. What is API
A connection point that lets software work together. By calling AI through an API, you can embed generative AI into your own apps and tools.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a connection point that lets an external program call a piece of software's functionality. Using an AI's API, you can use the AI directly from your own apps, business systems or automated processes, without going through a chat screen.

Many LLMs offer usage-based APIs whose pricing is determined by the number of input and output tokens. You can estimate usage charges via the API with the API cost calculator.

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Reference values based on public data and editorial research; not a complete count of actual users.